Retinal derivatives and methods for the use thereof for the treatment of visual disorders

ABSTRACT

Compositions of and methods for using synthetic retinal derivatives as retinoid replacements and opsin agonists are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/042,308, filed Mar. 7, 2011, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/629,875, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,951,841, filed Feb. 12, 2008, under 35 U.S.C. §371(c) (1) as a U.S. national stage entry of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2005/021812, filed Jun. 20, 2005 under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/580,889, filed Jun. 18, 2004, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING GOVERNMENT INTEREST

This research was supported by United States Public Health Service Grant EY09339 from the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health. The Government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A diminished visual acuity or total loss of vision may result from a number of eye diseases or disorders caused by dysfunction of tissues or structures in the anterior segment of the eye and/or posterior segment of the eye. Disease or disorders of the posterior segment of the eye in general are retinal or choroidal vascular diseases or hereditary diseases such as Leber Congenital Amaurosis. Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the specific diseases associated with the posterior portion of the eyeball and is the leading cause of blindness among older people. AMD results in damage to the macula, a small circular area in the center of the retina. Because the macula is the area which enables one to discern small details and to read or drive, its deterioration may bring about diminished visual acuity and even blindness. The retina contains two forms of light receiving cells, rods and cones, that change light into electrical signals. The brain then converts these signals into the images. The macula is rich in cone cells, which provides central vision. People with AMD suffer deterioration of central vision but usually retain peripheral sight.

Slightly blurred or distorted vision is the most common early symptom of AMD. Visual loss with dry AMD usually progresses slowly while visual loss with wet AMD proceeds more rapidly and may occur over days or weeks. Patients who have wet AMD in one eye are at increased risk of developing choroidal neo-vascularization (CNV) in the other eye. The magnitude of the risk varies, depending on the appearance of the second eye. The risk is greater in eyes with numerous large drusen, with abnormal pigment changes in the macula, and in patients with a history of high blood pressure. Reactions that go on in the RPE lead to oxidative products leading to cell death and neovascularization. This excess metabolism leads to the formation of drusen under the RPE.

Other eye diseases also affect photoreceptor function in the eye. Retinitis Pigmentosa represents disease caused by defects in many different genes. They all have a final common pathway of night blindness and peripheral vision loss that can lead to narrowing of the visual field and eventual loss of all vision in many patients. The rod photoreceptors are usually primarily affected and most of the gene defects leading to the disease occur in genes that are expressed predominantly or only in the rod cells.

One autosomal dominant form of Retinitis Pigmentosa comprises an amino acid substitution in opsin, a proline to histidine substitution at amino acid 23. This defect compromises 10-20% of all Retinitis Pigmentosa cases. This abnormal opsin protein forms a protein aggregate that eventually leads to cell death.

Leber Congenital Amaurosis is a very rare childhood condition that affects children from birth or shortly thereafter. It affects both rods and cones. There are a few different gene defects that have been associated with the disease. These include the genes encoding the RPE65 and LRAT proteins. Both result in a person's inability to make 11-cis-retinal in adequate quantities. In the RPE65-defective individuals, retinyl esters build up in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). LRAT-defective individuals are unable to make esters and subsequently secrete any excess retinoids.

Retinitis Punctata Albesciens is another form of Retinitis Pigmentosa that exhibits a shortage of 11-cis-retinal in the rods. Aging also leads to the decrease in night vision and loss of contrast sensitivity due to a shorting of 11-cis-retinal. Excess unbound opsin is believed to randomly excite the visual transduction system. This can create noise in the system, and thus more light and more contrast is necessary to see well.

Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB) and Fundus Albipunctatus are a group of diseases that are manifested as night blindness, but there is not a progressive loss of vision as in the Retinitis Pigmentosa. Some forms of CSNB are due to a delay in the recycling of 11-cis-retinal. Fundus Albipunctatus until recently was thought to be a special case of CSNB where the retinal appearance is abnormal with hundreds of small white dots appearing in the retina. It has been shown recently that this is also a progressive disease although much slower than Retinitis Pigmentosa. It is caused by a gene defect that leads to a delay in the cycling of 11-cis-retinal.

Currently, there are few treatments for retinoid deficiency. One treatment, a combination of antioxidant vitamins and zinc, produces only a small restorative effect. Thus, there is a need for compositions and methods of restoring or stabilizing photoreceptor function and ameliorating the effects of deficient levels of endogenous retinoids.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compounds and methods of using such compound to restore and/or stabilize photoreceptor function in a vertebrate visual system. Synthetic retinal derivatives can be administered to human or non-human vertebrate subjects to restore or stabilize photoreceptor function, and/or to ameliorate the effects of a deficiency in retinoid levels.

In one aspect, synthetic retinal derivatives are provided. The synthetic retinal derivative can be, for example, a derivative of Formula I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV and/or XVI. In some embodiments, the synthetic retinal derivatives is a retinyl ester, such as a 9-cis-retinyl ester or an 11-cis-retinyl ester. The ester substituent can be, for example, a carboxylate radical of a C₃ to C₂₂ polycarboxylic acid (polycarboxylate). For example, the substituent can be succinate, citrate, ketoglutarate, fumarate, malate and oxaloacetate. In some embodiments, the ester substituent is not tartarate.

In some embodiments, the retinyl ester is a 9-cis-retinyl ester of a C₃ to C₂₂ carboxylate. In other embodiments, the retinyl ester is a 9-cis-retinyl ester of a C₃ to C₁₀ carboxylate. In some embodiments, the retinyl ester is an 11-cis-retinyl ester of a C₃ to C₂₂ carboxylate. In other embodiments, the retinyl ester is an 11-cis-retinyl ester of a C₃ to C₁₀ carboxylate.

Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the synthetic retinal derivative and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. The synthetic retinal derivative can be, for example, a derivative of Formula I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV and/or XVI. In some embodiments, the synthetic retinal derivatives is a retinyl ester, such as a 9-cis-retinyl ester or an 11-cis-retinyl ester. The ester substituent can be, for example, a carboxylate radical of a C₃ to C₂₂ polycarboxylic acid. The pharmaceutical composition can be compounded, for example, as an opthalmological composition in an opthalmologically acceptable vehicle for administration to the eye topically or by intra-ocular injection.

In another aspect, a method of restoring photoreceptor function in a mammal is provided. The method includes administering to a mammalian subject having an endogenous retinoid deficiency an effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative, wherein the synthetic retinal derivative is converted into a retinal capable of forming a functional opsin/retinal complex. The synthetic retinal derivative can be, for example, a 9-cis-retinyl ester, an 11-cis-retinyl ester, or a combination thereof. The ester substituent can be a carboxylate radical of a C₁-C₁₀ monocarboxylic acid or a C₂ to C₂₂ polycarboxylic acid. In some embodiments, synthetic retinal derivative is 9-cis-retinyl acetate or 11-cis-retinyl acetate. In other embodiments, the ester substituent comprises a carboxylate radical of a polycarboxylic acid of C₃ to C₁₀. For example, the ester substituent can be succinate, citrate, ketoglutarate, fumarate, malate and oxaloacetate. The mammalian subject can be, for example, human or other mammal.

In another aspect, a method of ameliorating loss of photoreceptor function in a mammal is provided. The method includes administering an effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative to the vertebrate eye, wherein the synthetic retinal derivative is converted into a retinal capable of forming a functional opsin/retinal complex. The synthetic retinal derivative can be, for example, a 9-cis-retinyl ester, an 11-cis-retinyl ester, or a combination thereof. The ester substituent can be a carboxylate radical of a C₁-C₁₀ monocarboxylic acid or a C₂ to C_(n) polycarboxylic acid. In some embodiments, synthetic retinal derivative is 9-cis-retinyl acetate or 11-cis-retinyl acetate. In other embodiments, the ester substituent comprises a carboxylate radical of a polycarboxylic acid of C₃ to C₁₀. For example, the ester substituent can be succinate, citrate, ketoglutarate, fumarate, malate and oxaloacetate. The mammalian subject can be, for example, human or other mammal.

In an aspect, a method of restoring photoreceptor function in a vertebrate eye is provided. The method can include administering to the vertebrate in need thereof having an endogenous retinoid deficiency an effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, wherein the synthetic retinal derivative is converted into a retinal capable of forming a functional opsin/retinal complex. The synthetic retinal derivative can be, for example, a derivative of Formula I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV and/or XVI. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is a 9-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is an 11-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester.

In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 9-cis-retinyl acetate, 9-cis-retinyl succinate, 9-cis-retinyl citrate, 9-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 9-cis-retinyl fumarate, 9-cis-retinyl malate, 9-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like. In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 11-cis-retinyl acetate, 11-cis-retinyl succinate, 11-cis-retinyl citrate, 11-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 11-cis-retinyl fumarate, 11-cis-retinyl malate, 11-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like.

In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative can be administered to a vertebrate in need thereof. For example, the vertebrate can have, or be predisposed to developing, an endogenous retinoid deficiency associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Retinitis Punctata Albesciens, Congenital Stationary Night Blindness, Fundus Albipunctatus, or other disease or condition associated with an endogenous retinoid deficiency.

In some methods, the synthetic retinoid derivative can be administered locally, such as by eye drops, intraocular injection, periocular injection or the like. In other methods, the synthetic retinal derivative can be orally administered to the vertebrate. In some methods, the vertebrate is a human.

In another aspect, a method of sparing the requirement for endogenous retinoid in a vertebrate eye is provided. The method can include administering to the eye a synthetic retinal derivative in a pharmaceutically or opthalmologically acceptable vehicle, wherein the synthetic retinal derivative is converted into a retinal capable of forming a functional opsin/retinal complex. The synthetic retinal derivative can be, for example, a derivative of Formula I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV and/or XVI. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is a 9-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is an 11-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester.

In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 9-cis-retinyl acetate, 9-cis-retinyl succinate, 9-cis-retinyl citrate, 9-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 9-cis-retinyl fumarate, 9-cis-retinyl malate, 9-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the IP like. In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 11-cis-retinyl acetate, 11-cis-retinyl succinate, 11-cis-retinyl citrate, 11-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 11-cis-retinyl fumarate; 11-cis-retinyl malate, 11-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like.

In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative can be administered to a vertebrate in need thereof. For example, the vertebrate can have, or be predisposed to developing, an endogenous retinoid deficiency associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Retinitis Punctata Albesciens, Congenital Stationary Night Blindness, Fundus Albipunctatus, or other disease or condition associated with an endogenous retinoid deficiency.

In some methods, the synthetic retinoid derivative can be administered locally, such as by eye drops, intraocular injection, periocular injection or the like. In other methods, the synthetic retinal derivative can be orally administered to the vertebrate. In some methods, the vertebrate is a human.

In yet another aspect, a method of ameliorating loss of photoreceptor function in a vertebrate eye is provided. The method can include prophylactically administering an effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative in a pharmaceutically or opthalmologically acceptable vehicle to the vertebrate eye, wherein the synthetic retinal derivative is converted into a retinal capable of forming a functional opsin/retinal complex. The synthetic retinal derivative can be, for example, a derivative of Formula I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV and/or XVI. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is a 9-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is an 11-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester.

In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 9-cis-retinyl acetate, 9-cis-retinyl succinate, 9-cis-retinyl citrate, 9-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 9-cis-retinyl fumarate, 9-cis-retinyl malate, 9-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like. In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 11-cis-retinyl acetate, 11-cis-retinyl succinate, 11-cis-retinyl citrate, 11-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 11-cis-retinyl fumarate, 11-cis-retinyl malate, 11-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like.

In some methods, the synthetic retinoid derivative can be administered locally, such as by eye drops, intraocular injection, periocular injection or the like. In other methods, the synthetic retinal derivative can be orally administered to the vertebrate. In some methods, the vertebrate is a human.

In yet a further aspect, a method of selecting a treatment for a subject having diminished visual capacity is provided. The method can include determining whether the subject has a deficient endogenous retinoid level, as compared with a standard subject; and administering to the subject an effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle (e.g., an opthalmologically acceptable vehicle), wherein the synthetic retinal derivative is converted into a retinal capable of forming a functional opsin/retinal complex. The synthetic retinal derivative can be, for example, a derivative of Formula I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV and/or XVI. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is a 9-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is an 11-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester.

In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 9-cis-retinyl acetate, 9-cis-retinyl succinate, 9-cis-retinyl citrate, 9-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 9-cis-retinyl fumarate, 9-cis-retinyl malate, 9-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like. In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 11-cis-retinyl acetate, 11-cis-retinyl succinate, 11-cis-retinyl citrate, 11-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 11-cis-retinyl fumarate, 11-cis-retinyl malate, 11-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like.

In some methods, the endogenous retinoid is an 11-cis-retinyl ester. In some methods, the synthetic retinoid derivative can be administered locally, such as by eye drops, intraocular injection, periocular injection or the like. In other methods, the synthetic retinal derivative can be orally administered to the vertebrate. In some methods, the vertebrate is a human.

In yet a further aspect, pharmaceutical compositions and oral dosage forms are provided. The compositions can include a synthetic retinal derivative in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle (e.g., an opthalmologically acceptable vehicle). The synthetic retinal derivative can be, for example, a derivative of Formula I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV and/or XVI. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is a 9-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is an 11-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester.

In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 9-cis-retinyl acetate, 9-cis-retinyl succinate, 9-cis-retinyl citrate, 9-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 9-cis-retinyl fumarate, 9-cis-retinyl malate, 9-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like. In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 11-cis-retinyl acetate, 11-cis-retinyl succinate, 11-cis-retinyl citrate, 11-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 11-cis-retinyl fumarate, 11-cis-retinyl malate, 11-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like.

The pharmaceutical composition can be, for example, an intraocular injectable solution or a periocular injectable solution. The oral dosage form can be, for example, a pill, tablet, capsule, gel cap, or the like.

In yet another aspect, a method of treating Leber Congenital Amaurosis in a human subject is provided. The method generally includes administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative in a pharmaceutically or opthalmologically acceptable vehicle. The synthetic retinal derivative can be, for example, a derivative of Formula I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV and/or XVI. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is a 9-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is an 11-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester.

In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 9-cis-retinyl acetate, 9-cis-retinyl succinate, 9-cis-retinyl citrate, 9-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 9-cis-retinyl fumarate, 9-cis-retinyl malate, 9-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like. In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 11-cis-retinyl acetate, 11-cis-retinyl succinate, 11-cis-retinyl citrate, 11-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 11-cis-retinyl fumarate, 11-cis-retinyl malate, 11-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like.

In some methods, the synthetic retinoid derivative can be administered locally, such as by eye drops, intraocular injection, periocular injection or the like. In other methods, the synthetic retinal derivative can be orally administered to the vertebrate. In some methods, the vertebrate is a human.

In another aspect, a method of treating Retinitis Punctata Albesciens, Congenital Stationary Night Blindness or Fundus Albipunctatus in a human subject is provided. The method can include administering to the subject in need thereof an effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative in a pharmaceutically or opthalmologically acceptable vehicle. The method generally includes administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative in a pharmaceutically or opthalmologically acceptable vehicle. The synthetic retinal derivative can be, for example, a derivative of Formula I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV and/or XVI. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is a 9-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is an 11-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester.

In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 9-cis-retinyl acetate, 9-cis-retinyl succinate, 9-cis-retinyl citrate, 9-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 9-cis-retinyl fumarate, 9-cis-retinyl malate, 9-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like. In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 11-cis-retinyl acetate, 11-cis-retinyl succinate, 11-cis-retinyl citrate, 11-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 11-cis-retinyl fumarate, 11-cis-retinyl malate, 11-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like.

In some methods, the synthetic retinoid derivative can be administered locally, such as by eye drops, intraocular injection, periocular injection or the like. In other methods, the synthetic retinal derivative can be orally administered to the vertebrate. In some methods, the vertebrate is a human.

In yet another aspect, a method of treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a human subject is provided. The method can include administering to the subject in need thereof an effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative in a pharmaceutically or opthalmologically acceptable vehicle. The synthetic retinal derivative can be, for example, a derivative of Formula I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV and/or XVI. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is a 9-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is an 11-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester.

In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is converted into a synthetic retinal that binds to free opsin in the eye. In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 9-cis-retinyl acetate, 9-cis-retinyl succinate, 9-cis-retinyl citrate, 9-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 9-cis-retinyl fumarate, 9-cis-retinyl malate, 9-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like. In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 11-cis-retinyl acetate, 11-cis-retinyl succinate, 11-cis-retinyl citrate, 11-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 11-cis-retinyl fumarate, 11-cis-retinyl malate, 11-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like.

In some methods, the synthetic retinoid derivative can be administered locally, such as by eye drops, intraocular injection, periocular injection or the like. In other methods, the synthetic retinal derivative can be orally administered to the vertebrate. In some methods, the vertebrate is a human.

In yet a further aspect, a method of treating or preventing loss of night vision or contrast sensitivity in an aging human subject is provided. The method can include administering to the subject in need thereof an effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative in a pharmaceutically or opthalmologically acceptable vehicle. The synthetic retinal derivative can be, for example, a derivative of Formula I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV and/or XVI. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is a 9-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester. In some methods, if the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester comprising a monocarboxylic acid ester substituent, it is an 11-cis-retinyl C₁ to C₁₀ ester.

In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is converted into a synthetic retinal that binds to free opsin in the eye. In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is a 9-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 9-cis-retinyl acetate, 9-cis-retinyl succinate, 9-cis-retinyl citrate, 9-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 9-cis-retinyl fumarate, 9-cis-retinyl malate, 9-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like. In some methods, the synthetic retinal derivative is an 11-cis-retinyl ester, such as, for example, 11-cis-retinyl acetate, 11-cis-retinyl succinate, 11-cis-retinyl citrate, 11-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 11-cis-retinyl fumarate, 11-cis-retinyl malate, 11-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, or the like.

In some methods, the synthetic retinoid derivative can be administered locally, such as by eye drops, intraocular injection, periocular injection or the like. In other methods, the synthetic retinal derivative can be orally administered to the vertebrate. In some methods, the vertebrate is a human.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. HPLC chromatogram showing retinoid elution in treated and control mice eye and liver tissue. A. Eyes from dark adapted LRAT−/− mouse. B. Eyes from dark-adapted LRAT−/− mouse gavaged with 5 mg all-trans-retinyl palmitate 2 days prior. C. Eyes from dark-adapted LRAT−/− mouse gavaged with 5 mg all-trans-retinyl acetate 2 days prior. D. Eyes from dark-adapted LRAT−/− mouse gavaged with 6.5 mg 9-cis-retinyl acetate 3 days prior. E. Liver tissue from dark adapted LRAT−/− mouse. F. Liver tissue from dark-adapted LRAT−/− mouse gavaged with 5 mg all-trans-retinyl palmitate 2 days prior. G. Liver tissue from dark-adapted LRAT−/− mouse gavaged with 5 mg all-trans-retinyl acetate 2 days prior. H. Liver tissue from dark-adapted LRAT−/− mouse gavaged with 6.5 mg 9-cis-retinyl acetate 3 days prior.

FIG. 2. Eye 9-cis-retinal oximes and 9-cis-retinol time course, 20 μM gavage.

FIG. 3. UV isomerization of all-trans-retinyl acetate to 9-cis-retinyl acetate.

FIG. 4. HPLC separation of 13-cis-retinyl acetate (1), 9-cis-retinyl acetate (2), and all-trans-retinyl acetate (3).

FIG. 5. Levels of 9-cis-retinal oximes in the eyes of Lrat−/− mice after a single or multiple dose of 9-cis-R-Acetate. (a) The level of 9-cis-RAL in Lrat−/− mouse eyes after a varying dose of 9-cis-R-Ac. (b) The level of 9-cis-RAL in Lrat−/− mouse eyes after a varying size and number of doses of 9-cis-R-Ac.

FIG. 6. Chromophore levels (as 9-cis-retinal oximes) in the eyes of Lrat−/− mice after administration of all-trans-retinoid isomers or 9-cis-retinyl succinate). The structures of the all-trans-retinoid isomers and 9-cis-retinyl succinate are also shown.

FIG. 7. A comparison of the chromophore levels (as 9-cis-retinal oximes) in the eyes of Lrat−/− mice after administration of 9-cis-retinal or 9-cis-retinyl acetate at low and high doses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides synthetical retinal derivatives and methods of using such derivatives to restore or stabilize photoreceptor function in a vertebrate visual system. The synthetic retinal derivative is a derivative of 9-cis-retinal or 11-cis-retinal in which the aldehydic group in the polyene chain is modified. The synthetic retinal derivative can be converted directly or indirectly into a retinal or a synthetic retinal analog. Thus, in some aspects, the compounds according to the present invention can be described as a pro-drug, which upon metabolic transformation is converted into 9-cis-retinal, 11-cis-retinal or a synthetic retinal analog thereof. Metabolic transformation can occur, for example by acid hydrolysis, esterase activity, acetyltransferase activity, dehydrogenase activity, or the like.

The synthetic retinal derivative can be a retinoid replacement, supplementing the levels of endogenous retinoid. In some embodiments, the synthetic retinal can bind to opsin, and function as an opsin agonist. As used herein, the term “agonist” refers to a synthetic retinal that binds to opsin and facilitates the ability of an opsin/synthetic retinal complex to respond to light. As an opsin agonist, a synthetic retinal can spare the requirement for endogenous retinoid (e.g., 11-cis-retinal). A synthetic retinal also can restore or improve function (e.g., photoreception) to opsin by binding to opsin and forming a functional opsin/synthetic retinal complex, whereby the opsin/synthetic retinal complex can respond to photons when part of a rod or cone membrane.

Synthetic retinal derivatives can be administered to restore or stabilize photoreceptor function, and/or to ameliorate the effects of a deficiency in retinoid levels. Photoreceptor function can be restored or stabilized, for example, by providing a synthetic retinal derivative as an 11-cis-retinoid replacement and/or an opsin agonist. The synthetic retinal derivative also can ameliorate the effects of a retinoid deficiency on a vertebrate visual system. The synthetic retinal derivative can be administered prophylactically or therapeutically to a vertebrate. Suitable vertebrates include, for example, human and non-human vertebrates. Suitable non-human vertebrates include, for example, mammals, such as dogs (canine), cats (feline), horses (equine) and other domesticated animals.

In one aspect, synthetic retinal derivatives are provided. The synthetic retinal derivatives are derivatives of 9-cis-retinal or 11-cis-retinal in which the aldehydic group in the polyene chain is converted to an ester, ether, alcohol, hemi-acetal, acetal, oxime, as further described herein. Such synthetic retinal derivatives include 9-cis-retinyl esters, 9-cis-retinyl ethers, 9-cis-retinol, 9-cis-retinal oximes, 9-cis-retinyl acetals, 9-cis-retinyl hemiacetals, 11-cis-retinyl esters, 11-cis-retinyl ethers, 11-cis-retinol, 11-cis-retinyl oximes, 11-cis-retinyl acetals and 11-cis-retinyl hemiacetals, as further described herein. The synthetic retinal derivative can be metabolized to release a natural or synthetic retinal, such as for example, 9-cis-retinal, 11-cis-retinal or a synthetic retinal analog thereof, such as those described herein or in co-pending International Application No. PCT/US04/07937, filed Mar. 15, 2004, (the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein).

In one aspect, the synthetic retinal derivative is a retinyl ester. In some embodiments, the retinyl ester is a 9-cis-retinyl ester or an 11-cis-retinyl ester having a The ester substituent can be, for example, a carboxylic acid, such as a mono- or polycarboxylic acid. As used herein, a “polycarboxylic acid” is a di-, tri- or higher order carboxylic acid. In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid is a C₁-C₂₂, C₃-C₂₂, C₂-C₁₀, C₃-C₁₀, C₄-C₁₀, C₄-C₈, C₄-C₆ or C₄ monocarboxylic acid, or polycarboxylic acid.

Suitable carboxylic acid groups include, for example, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, ca in acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid or linoleic acid. The carboxylic acid also can be, for example, oxalic acid (ethanedioic acid), malonic acid (propanedioic acid), succinic acid (butanedioic), fumaric acid (butenedioic acid), malic acid (2-hydroxybutenedioic acid), glutaric acid (pentanedioic acid), adipic acid (hexanedioic acid), pimelic acid (heptanedioic), suberic acid (octanedioic), azelaic acid (nonanedioic acid), sebacic acid (decanedioic acid), citric acid, oxaloacetic acid, ketoglutaratic acid, or the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, the retinyl ester is a 9-cis-retinyl ester or an 11-cis-retinyl ester including a C₃-C₁₀ polycarboxylic acid substituent. (In this context, the terms “substituent” or “group” refer to a radical covalently linked to the terminal oxygen in the polyene chain.) In another exemplary embodiment, the retinyl ester is a 9-cis-retinyl ester or an 11-cis-retinyl ester including a C₂-C₂₂ or C₃-C₂₂ polycarboxylic acid substituent. The polycarboxylic acid substituent can be, for example, succinate, citrate, ketoglutarate, fumarate, malate or oxaloacetate. In another exemplary embodiment, the retinyl ester is a 9-cis-retinyl ester or an 11-cis-retinyl ester including a C₃-C₂₂ di-carboxylic acid (di-acid) substituent. In some embodiments, the polycarboxylic acid is not 9-cis-retinyl tartarate or 11-cis-retinyl tartarate. In some embodiments, the retinyl ester is not a naturally occurring retinyl ester normally found in the eye. In some embodiments, the retinyl ester is an isolated retinyl ester. As used herein, “isolated” refers to a molecule that exists apart from its native environment and is therefore not a product of nature. An isolated molecule may exist in a purified form or may exist in a non-native environment.

In another aspect, the retinal derivative can be a 9-cis-retinyl ester or ether of the following formula I:

In some embodiments, A is CH₂OR, where R can be an aldehydic group, to form a retinyl ester. A suitable aldehydic group is a C₁ to C₂₄ straight chain or branched aldehydic group. The aldehydic group also can be a C₁ to C₁₄ straight chain or branched aldehydic group. The aldehydic group can be a C₁ to C₁₂ straight chain or branched aldehydic group, such as, for example, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, valeraldehyde, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, decanal, undecanal, dodecanal. R can be a C₁ to C₁₀ straight chain or branched aldehydic group, a C₁ to C₈ straight chain or branched aldehydic group or a C₁ to C₆ straight chain or branched aldehydic group.

R further can be a carboxylate group of a dicarboxylic acid or other carboxylic acid (e.g., a hydroxyl acid) to form a retinyl ester (some of which are also referred to as retinoyl esters). The carboxylic acid can be, for example, oxalic acid (ethanedioic acid), malonic acid (propanedioic acid), succinic acid (butanedioic), fumaric acid (butenedioic acid), malic acid (2-hydroxybutenedioic acid), glutaric acid (pentanedioic acid), adipic acid (hexanedioic acid), pimelic acid (heptanedioic), suberic acid (octanedioic), azelaic acid (nonanedioic acid), sebacic acid (decanedioic acid), citric acid, oxaloacetic acid, ketoglutaratic acid, or the like.

R can also be an alkane group, to form a retinyl alkane ether. Suitable alkane groups include, for example, C₁ to C₂₄ straight chain or branched alkyls, such as, for example, methane, ethane, butane, isobutane, pentane, isopentane, hexane, heptane, octane or the like. For example, the alkane group can be a linear, iso-, sec-, tert- or other branched lower alkyl ranging from C₁ to C₆. The alkane group also can be a linear, iso-, sec-, tert- or other branched medium chain length alkyl ranging from C₈ to C₁₄. The alkane group also can be a linear, iso-, sec-, tert- or other branched long chain length alkyl ranging from C₁₆ to C₂₄.

R further can be an alcohol group, to form a retinyl alcohol ether. Suitable alcohol groups can be linear, iso-, sec-, tert- or other branched lower alcohols ranging from C₁ to C₆, linear, iso-, sec-, tert- or other branched medium chain length alcohols ranging from C₈ to C₁₄, or linear, iso-, sec-, tert- or other branched long chain length alkyl ranging from C₁₆ to C₂₄. The alcohol group can be, for example, methanol, ethanol, butanol, isobutanol, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol, octanol, or the like

R also can be a carboxylic acid, to form a retinyl carboxylic acid ether. Suitable alcohol groups can be linear, iso-, sec-, tert- or other branched lower carboxylic acids ranging from C₁ to C₆, linear, iso-, sec-, tert- or other branched medium chain length carboxylic acids ranging from C₈ to C₁₄, or linear, iso-, sec-, tert- or other branched long chain length carboxylic acids ranging from C₁₆ to C₂₄. Suitable carboxylic acid groups include, for example, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, linoleic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid or the like.

The retinyl derivative can be a retinyl hemiacetal, where A is CH(OH)OR. R can be any of the R groups set forth above in Formula I. R is typically a lower alkane, such as a methyl or ethyl group, or a C₁ to C₇ saturated and unsaturated, cyclic or acyclic alkane, with or without hetero atoms, as described herein.

The retinyl derivative can be a retinyl acetal, where A is CH(OR_(a))OR_(b). Each of R_(a) and R_(b) can be independently selected from any of the R groups set forth above in Formula I. R_(a) and R_(b) are typically a C₁ to C₇ saturated and unsaturated, cyclic or acyclic alkane, with or without hetero atoms, as described herein.

The retinyl derivative also can be a retinyl oxime, where A is CH:NOH or CH:NOR. R can be any of the R groups set forth above in Formula I. R is typically a hydrogen, or an alkane.

Examples of suitable synthetic retinal derivatives include, for example, 9-cis-retinyl acetate, 9-cis-retinyl formate, 9-cis-retinyl succinate, 9-cis-retinyl citrate, 9-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 9-cis-retinyl fumarate, 9-cis-retinyl malate, 9-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate, 9-cis-retinal oxime, 9-cis-retinal O-methyl oximes, 9-cis-retinal O-ethyl oximes, and 9-cis-retinal methyl acetals and hemi acetals, 9-cis-retinyl methyl ether, 9-cis-retinyl ethyl ether, and 9-cis-retinyl phenyl ether.

In a related aspect, the retinal derivative can be an 11-cis-retinyl ester or ether of the following formula II:

A can be any of the groups set forth above in Formula I.

Examples of suitable synthetic retinal derivatives include, for example, 11-cis-retinyl acetate, 11-cis-retinyl formate, 11-cis-retinyl succinate, 11-cis-retinyl citrate, 11-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 11-cis-retinyl fumarate, 11-cis-retinyl malate, 11-cis-retinal oxime, 11-cis-retinal O-methyl oxime, 11-cis-retinal O-ethyl oximes and 11-cis-retinal methyl acetals and hemi acetals, 11-cis-retinyl methyl ether, 11-cis-retinyl ethyl ether.

In additional aspects, the synthetic retinal derivatives can be, for example, a derivative of a 9-cis-retinyl ester, a 9-cis-retinyl ether, an 11-cis-retinyl ester or an 11-cis-retinyl ethers such as, for example, an acyclic retinyl ester or ethers, a retinyl ester or ether with a modified polyene chain length, such as a trienoic or tetraenoic retinyl ester or ether; a retinyl ester or ether with a substituted polyene chain, such as alkyl, halogen or heteratom-substituted polyene chains; a retinyl ester or ether with a modified polyene chain, such as a trans- or cis-locked polyene chain, or with, for example, allene or alkyne modifications; and a retinyl ester or ether with a ring modification(s), such as heterocyclic, heteroaromatic or substituted cycloalkane or cycloalkene rings.

The synthetic retinal derivative can be a retinyl ester or ether of the following formula III:

A can be any of the groups set forth above for formula (I). R₁ and R₂ can be independently selected from linear, iso-, sec-, tert- and other branched alkyl groups as well as substituted alkyl groups, substituted branched alkyl, hydroxyl, hydroalkyl, amine, amide, or the like. R₁ and R₂ can independently be lower alkyl, which means straight or branched alkyl with 1-6 carbon atom(s) such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, or the like. Suitable substituted alkyls and substituted branch alkyls include, for example, alkyls, branched alkyls and cyclo-alkyls substituted with oxygen, hydroxyl, nitrogen, amide, amine, halogen, heteroatom or other groups. Suitable heteroatoms include, for example, sulfur, silicon, and fluoro- or bromo-substitutions.

R₁ or R₂ also can be a cyclo-alkyl such as, for example, hexane, cyclohexene, benzene as well as a substituted cyclo-alkyl. Suitable substituted cyclo-alkyls include, for example, cyclo-alkyls substituted with oxygen, hydroxyl, nitrogen, amide, amine, halogen, heteroatom and/or other groups. Suitable heteroatoms include, for example, sulfur, silicon, and fluoro- or bromo-substitutions.

The synthetic retinal derivative also can have a modified polyene chain length such as the following formula IV:

A can be any of the groups set forth above for formula (I). The polyene chain length can be extended by 1, 2; or 3 alkyl, alkene or alkylene groups. According to formula (IV), each n and n₁ can be independently selected from 1, 2, or 3 alkyl, alkene or alkylene groups, with the proviso that the sum of the n and n₁ is at least 1.

The synthetic retinal derivative also can have a substituted polyene chain of the following formula V:

A can be any of the groups set forth above for formula (I). Each of R₁ to R₈ can be independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, branched alkyl, cyclo-alkyl, halogen, a heteratom, of the like. Suitable alkyls include, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, substituted alkyl (e.g., alkyl with hydroxyl, hydroalkyl, amine, amide) or the like. Suitable branched alkyls can be, for example, isopropyl, isobutyl, substituted branched alkyl, or the like. Suitable cyclo-alkyls can include, for example, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, and other cyclic alkanes as well as substituted cyclic alkanes such as substituted cyclohexane or substituted cycloheptane. Suitable halogens include, for example, bromine, chlorine, fluorine, or the like. Suitable heteroatoms include, for example, sulfur, silicon, and fluoro- or bromo-substitutions. Suitable substituted alkyls, substituted branch alkyls and substituted cyclo-alkyls include, for example, alkyls, branched alkyls and cyclo-alkyls substituted with oxygen, hydroxyl, nitrogen, amide, amine, halogen, heteroatom or other groups.

For example, the synthetic retinal derivative can be selected from the following: a 9-ethyl-11-cis-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; a 7-methyl-11-cis-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; a 13-desmethyl-11-cis-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; an 11-cis-10-F-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; an 11-cis-10-Cl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; an 11-cis-10-methyl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; an 11-cis-10-ethyl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; a 9-cis-10-F-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; a 9-cis-10-Cl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; a 9-cis-10-methyl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; a 9-cis-10-ethyl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; an 11-cis-12-F-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; an 11-cis-12-Cl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; an 11-cis-12-methyl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; an 11-cis-10-ethyl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; a 9-cis-12-F-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; a 9-cis-12-Cl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; a 9-cis-12-methyl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; an 11-cis-14-F-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; an 11-cis-14-methyl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; an 11-cis-14-ethyl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; a 9-cis-14-F-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; a 9-cis-14-methyl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; a 9-cis-14-ethyl-retinyl ester, ether, oxime, acetal or hemiacetal; or the like.

The synthetic retinal derivative further can have a modified ring structure. Suitable examples include, for example, derivatives containing ring modifications, aromatic analogs and heteroaromatic analogs of the following formulae VI, VII and VIII, respectively:

A can be any of the groups set forth above for formula (I). Each of R₁ to R₆, as applicable, can be independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, hydroxyl, hydroalkyl, amine, amid; halogen, a heteratom, or the like. Suitable alkyls include, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl or the like. Suitable halogens include, for example, bromine, chlorine, fluorine, or the like. Suitable heteroatoms include, for example, sulfur, silicon, or nitrogen. In formulae VII, X can be, for example, sulfur, silicon, nitrogen, fluoro- or bromo-substitutions. Similarly, 9-cis-synthetic retinal derivatives containing ring modifications, aromatic analogs and heteroaromatic analogs of those shown in formulae VI, VII and VIII are contemplated.

The synthetic retinal derivative also can have a modified polyene chain. Suitable derivatives include, for example, those with a trans/cis locked configuration, 6s-locked analogs, as well as modified allene, alkene, alkyne or alkylene groups in the polyene chain. In one example, the derivative is an 11-cis-locked analog of the following formula IX:

A can be any of the groups set forth above for formula (I). R₃ can be, for example, hydrogen, methyl or other lower alkane or branch alkane. n can be 0 to 4. m plus 1 equals 1, 2 or 3.

In one embodiment, the synthetic retinal derivative can be an 11-cis-locked analog of the following formula X:

n can be 1 to 4. A can be any of the groups set forth above for formula (I).

The synthetic retinal derivative is a 9,11,13-tri-cis-7-ring retinyl ester or ether, an 11,13-di-cis-7-ring retinyl ester or ether, an 11-cis-7-ring retinyl ester or ether or a 9,11-di-cis-7-ring retinyl ester or ether.

In another example, the synthetic retinal derivative is a 6s-locked analog of formula XL A can be any of the groups set forth above for formula (I). R₁ and R₂ can be independently selected from hydrogen, methyl and other lower alkyl and substituted lower alkyl. R₃ can be independently selected from an alkene group at either of the indicated positions.

The synthetic retinal derivative can be a 9-cis-ring-fused derivative, such as, for example, those shown in formulae XII-XIV. A can be any of the groups set forth above for formula (I).

The synthetic retinal derivative also can be of the following formula XV or XVI.

A can be any of the groups set forth above for formula (I). Each of R₂ to R₅, R₇ to R₁₄, R₁₆ and R₁₇ can be absent or independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, branched alkyl, halogen, hydroxyl, hydroalkyl, amine, amide, a heteratom, or the like. Suitable alkyls include, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, substituted alkyl (e.g., alkyl with hydroxyl, hydroalkyl, amine, amide), or the like. Suitable branched alkyl can be, for example, isopropyl, isobutyl, substituted branched alkyl, or the like. Suitable halogens include, for example, bromine, chlorine, fluorine, or the like. Suitable heteroatoms include, for example, sulfur, silicon, and fluoro- or bromo-substitutions. Suitable substituted alkyls and substituted branch alkyls include, for example, alkyls and branched alkyls substituted with oxygen, hydroxyl, nitrogen, amide, amine, halogen, heteroatom or other groups. Each of n and n₁ can be independently selected from 1, 2, or 3 alkyl, alkene or alkylene groups, with the proviso that the sum of the n and n₁ is at least 1. In addition, R₃-R₄ and/or R₂-R₁₆ can comprise an alkene group in the cyclic carbon ring, in which case R_(t7) is absent. R₁₀ and R₁₃ together can form a cyclo-alkyl, such as a five, six, seven or eight member cyclo-alkyl or substituted cyclo-alkyl, such as, for example, those shown in Formulae IX, X, XII, XIII and XIV.

Methods of making synthetic retinals and derivatives are disclosed in, for example, the following references: Anal. Biochem. 272:232-42 (1999); Angew. Chem. 36:2089-93 (1997); Biochemistry 14:3933-41 (1975); Biochemistry 21:384-93 (1982); Biochemistry 28:2732-39 (1989); Biochemistry 33:408-16 (1994); Biochemistry 35:6257-62 (1996); Bioorganic Chemistry 27:372-82 (1999); Biophys. Chem. 56:31-39 (1995); Biophys. J. 56:1259-65 (1989); Biophys. J. 83:3460-69 (2002); Chemistry 7:4198-204 (2001); Chemistry (Europe) 5:1172-75 (1999); FEBS 158:1 (1983); J. Am. Chem. Soc. 104:3214-16 (1982); J. Am. Chem. Soc. 108:6077-78 (1986); J. Am. Chem. Soc. 109:6163 (1987); J. Am. Chem. Soc. 112:7779-82 (1990); J. Am. Chem. Soc. 119:5758-59 (1997); J. Am. Chem. Soc. 121:5803-04 (1999); J. American Chem. Soc. 123:10024-29 (2001); J. American Chem. Soc. 124:7294-302 (2002); J. Biol. Chem. 276:26148-53 (2001); J. Biol. Chem. 277:42315-24 (2004); J. Chem. Soc.-Perkin T. 1:1773-77 (1997); J. Chem. Soc.-Perkin T. 1:2430-39 (2001); J. Org. Chem. 49:649-52 (1984); J. Org. Chem. 58:3533-37 (1993); J. Physical Chemistry B 102:2787-806 (1998); Lipids 8:558-65; Photochem. Photobiol. 13:259-83 (1986); Photochem. Photobiol. 44:803-07 (1986); Photochem. Photobiol. 54:969-76 (1991); Photochem. Photobiol. 60:64-68 (1994); Photochem. Photobiol 65:1047-55 (1991); Photochem. Photobiol. 70:111-15 (2002); Photochem. Photobiol. 76:606-615 (2002); Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 88:9412-16 (1991); Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 90:4072-76 (1993); Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 94:13442-47 (1997); and Proc. Soc. Lond. Series B. Biol. Sci. 233(1270): 55-76 1988) (the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein).

Retinyl esters can be formed by methods known in the art such as, for example, by acid-catalyzed esterification of a retinol with a carboxylic acid, by reaction of an acyl halide with a retinol, by transesterification of a retinyl ester with a carboxylic acid, by reaction of a primary halide with a carboxylate salt of a retinoic acid, by acid-catalyzed reaction of an anhydride with a retinol, or the like. In an example, retinyl esters can be formed by acid-catalyzed esterification of a retinol with a carboxylic acid, such as, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, stearatic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, linoleic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid or the like. In another example, retinyl esters can be formed by reaction of an acyl halide with a retinol (see, e.g., Van Hooser et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 97:8623-28 (2000)). Suitable acyl halides include, for example, acetyl chloride, palmitoyl chloride, or the like.

Retinyl ethers can be formed by methods known in the art, such as for example, reaction of a retinol with a primary alkyl halide.

Trans-retinoids can be isomerized to cis-retinoids by exposure to UV light. For example, all-trans-retinal, all-trans-retinol, all-trans-retinyl ester or all-trans-retinoic acid can be isomerized to 9-cis-retinal, 9-cis-retinol, 9-cis-retinyl ester or 9-cis-retinoic acid, respectively. trans-Retinoids can be isomerized to 9-cis-retinoids by, for example, exposure to a UV light having a wavelength of about 365 nm, and substantially free of shorter wavelengths that cause degradation of cis-retinoids, as further described herein.

Retinyl acetals and hemiacetals can be prepared, for example, by treatment of 9-cis- and 11-cis-retinals with alcohols in the presence of acid catalysts. Water formed during reaction is removed, for example by Al₂O₃ of a molecular sieve.

Retinyl oximes can be prepared, for example, by reaction of a retinal with hydroxylamine, O-methyl- or O-ethylhydroxylamine, or the like.

For a specific opsin protein, a suitable synthetic retinal derivatives can be identified, for example, by an expression system expressing the opsin protein. Suitable animal models include, for example, RPE65−/− or LRAT−/− mice (see, e.g., Van Hooser et al., J. Biol. Chem. 277:19173-82 (2002); Baehr et al., Vision Res. 43:2957-58 (2003); Batten et al., J. Biol. Chem. 279:10422-32 (2004); Kuksa et al., Vision Res. 43:2959-81 (2003); Thompson et al., Dev. Ophthalmol. 37:141-54 (2003)). Other suitable non-human animal models further include other mouse, rat or primate systems. Such animal models can be prepared, for example, by promoting homologous recombination between a nucleic acid encoding an opsin in its chromosome and an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a mutant opsin. In one aspect, homologous recombination is carried out by transforming embryo-derived stern (ES) cells with a vector containing an opsin gene, such that homologous recombination occurs, followed by injecting the ES cells into a blastocyst, and implanting the blastocyst into a foster mother, followed by the birth of the chimeric animal (see, e.g., Capecchi, Science 244:1288-92 (1989)). The chimeric animal can be bred to produce additional transgenic animals.

Suitable expression systems also can include, for example, in vitro or in vivo systems. Suitable in vitro systems include for example, coupled transcription-translation systems. Suitable in vivo systems include, for example, cells expressing an opsin protein. For example, cells of a vertebrate visual system can be adapted for culture in vitro, or recombinant cell lines expressing an opsin protein can be used. The cell lines are typically stable cell lines expressing the opsin protein. A synthetic retinal or synthetic retinal derivative can be added to the cell culture media, and the cells cultured for a suitable period of time to allow the production of opsin/rhodopsin. Opsin and/or rhodopsin can be isolated (e.g., by immunoaffinity). Isolated protein samples are examined to determine the amount of pigment formed, and absorbance maxima. Methods of introducing nucleic acids into vertebrate cells are disclosed in, for example, Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 2001).

Recombinant cell lines expressing opsin protein can be prepared by, for example, introducing an expression construct encoding an opsin protein into a suitable cell line. The expression construct typically includes a promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid encoding an opsin protein, and optionally a termination signal(s). Nucleic acids encoding opsin can be obtained, for example, by using information from a database (e.g., a genomic or cDNA library), by polymerase chain reaction, or the like. For example opsin-encoding nucleic acids can be obtained by hybridization. (See generally Sambrook et al. (supra).) An opsin encoding nucleic acid can be obtained by hybridization under conditions of low, medium or high stringency.

Opsin-encoding nucleic acids can be obtained under conditions of high stringency hybridization. By way of example, and not limitation, procedures using conditions of high stringency are as follows: Prehybridization of filters containing DNA is carried out for 8 hours to overnight at 65° C. in buffer composed of 6×SSC, 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 1 mM EDTA, 0.02% PVP, 0.02% Ficoll, 0.02% BSA, and 500 μg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA. Filters are hybridized for 48 hours at 65° C. in prehybridization mixture containing 100 μg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA and 5-20×10⁶ cpm of ³²P-labeled probe. Washing of filters is done at 65° C. for 1 hour in a solution containing 2×SSC, 0.01% PVP, 0.01% Ficoll, and 0.01% BSA. This is followed by a wash in 0.1×SSC at 50° C. for 45 minutes before autoradiography. Other conditions of high stringency which can be used are well known in the art. (See generally Sambrook et al. (supra).)

The expression construct can optionally include one or more origins of replication and/or selectable marker(s) (e.g., an antibiotic resistance gene). Suitable selectable markers include, for example, those conferring resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, neomycin, G418, and the like. Suitable cell lines include, for example, HEK293 cells, T-REx™-293 cells, CHO cells and other cells or cell lines.

The UV-visible spectra of rhodopsin (comprising opsin and a synthetic retinal) can be monitored to determine whether the synthetic retinal has formed a Schiff's base with the opsin protein. For example, acid-denatured, purified protein can be analyzed to determine whether an absorbance maxima of approximately 490 nm is present, providing evidence that the synthetic retinal derivative forms a Schiff's base with the opsin protein. Hydroxylamine treatment can be used to confirm the Schiff's base is sequestered from the external environment.

Suitable synthetic retinal derivatives also can be selected by molecular modeling of rhodopsin. The coordinates for rhodopsin crystal structure are available from the Protein Data Bank (1 HZX) (Teller et al., Biochemistry 40:7761-72 (2001)). The effects of amino acid substitutions on the structure of rhodopsin, and on the contacts between opsin and 11-cis-retinal, or a synthetic retinal, can be determined by molecular modeling.

The coordinates for the rhodopsin crystal structure from the Protein Data Bank (1 HZX) (Teller et al., Biochemistry 40:7761-72 (2001)) can be used to generate a computer model. The addition of hydrogen atoms and optimization can be done, for example, using Insight II (InsightII release 2000, Accelrys, Inc., San Diego, Calif.). Crystallographic water can be removed, and water molecules introduced based on the accessible space in the extracellular region. Typically, no minimization is performed before water is added. A water layer (e.g., 5 Å thick) can be used to coat the extracellular part of rhodopsin as well as residues in contact with polar phospholipids heads. All of the water molecules can be allowed to move freely, as is the extracellular half of rhodopsin, with retinal. If no water cap is put on the cytoplasmic part of rhodopsin, this part of the molecule can be frozen to prevent degradation of the model.

A water cap can be put on the extracellular part of rhodopsin (together with that part buried in membrane in contact with polar heads of phospholipids). Water and the extracellular part of rhodopsin can be allowed to move and the movement modeled at any suitable frequency. For example, the movement of the modeled rhodopsin can be modeling at 100 ps simulations.

Synthetic retinals can be contacted with an opsin protein under conditions suitable and for a period of time sufficient for the formation of an opsin protein/synthetic retinal complex. The stability of the opsin/synthetic retinal complex can be determined by methods described herein or as known to the skilled artisan. The opsin in the opsin/synthetic retinal complex is stabilized when it exhibits increased stability (e.g., increased half-life when bound to the synthetic retinal as compared with free opsin (i.e., not bound to retinoid), is less sensitive to hydroxylamine, exhibits less accumulation in aggresomes, or the like).

The synthetic retinal can be contacted with the opsin protein in vitro or in vivo. For example, the opsin protein can be synthesized in an in vitro translation system (e.g., a wheat germ or reticulocyte lysate expression system) and the synthetic retinal added to the expression system. The opsin protein can be contacted with the opsin protein ex vivo, and then the complex can be administered to a vertebrate eye.

In another aspect, methods of using a synthetic retinal derivative are provided to restore or stabilize photoreceptor function, or to ameliorate photoreceptor loss, in a vertebrate visual system. A synthetic retinal derivative can be administered to a vertebrate eye(s) having a retinoid deficiency (e.g., a deficiency of 11-cis-retinal), an excess of free opsin, an excess of retinoid waste (e.g., degradation) products or intermediates in the recycling of all-trans-retinal, or the like. The vertebrate eye typically comprises a wild-type opsin protein. Methods of determining endogenous retinoid levels in a vertebrate eye, and a deficiency of such retinoids, are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/538,051 (filed Feb. 12, 2004) (the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein). Other methods of determining endogenous retinoid levels in a vertebrate eye, and a deficiency of such retinoids, include for example, analysis by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) of retinoids in a sample from a subject. For example, retinoid levels or a deficiency in such levels can be determined from a blood sample from a subject.

A blood sample can be obtained from a subject and retinoid types and levels in the sample can be separated and analyzed by normal phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) (e.g., with a HP1100 HPLC and a Beckman, Ultrasphere-Si, 4.6 mm×250 mm column using 10% ethyl acetate/90% hexane at a flow rate of 1.4 ml/minute). The retinoids can be detected by, for example, detection at 325 nm using a diode-array detector and HP Chemstation A.03.03 software. A deficiency in retinoids can be determined, for example, by comparison of the profile of retinoids in the sample with a sample from a control subject (e.g., a normal subject).

As used herein, absent, deficient or depleted levels of endogenous retinoid, such as 11-cis-retinal, refer to levels of endogenous retinoid lower than those found in a healthy eye of a vertebrate of the same species. A synthetic retinal derivative can spare the requirement for endogenous retinoid.

As used herein, “prophylactic” and “prophylactically” refer to the administration of a synthetic retinal derivative to prevent deterioration or further deterioration of the vertebrate visual system, as compared with a comparable vertebrate visual system not receiving the synthetic retinal derivative. The term “restore” refers to a long-term (e.g., as measured in weeks or months) improvement in photoreceptor function in a vertebrate visual system, as compared with a comparable vertebrate visual system not receiving the synthetic retinal derivative. The term “stabilize” refers to minimization of additional degradation in a vertebrate visual system, as compared with a comparable vertebrate visual system not receiving the synthetic retinal derivative.

In one aspect, the vertebrate eye is characterized as having Leber Congenital Amaurosis (“LCA”). This disease is a very rare childhood condition that effects children from birth or shortly there after. It affects both rods and cones in the eye. For example, certain mutations in the genes encoding RPE65 and LRAT proteins are involved in LCA. Mutations in both genes result in a person's inability to make 11-cis-retinal in adequate quantities. Thus, 11-cis-retinal is either absent or present in reduced quantities. In RPE65-defective individuals, retinyl esters build up in the RPE. LRAT-defective individuals are unable to make esters and subsequently secrete any excess retinoids. For LCA, a synthetic retinal derivative can be used to replace the absent or depleted 11-cis-retinal.

In another aspect, the vertebrate eye is characterized as having Retinitis Punctata Albesciens. This disease is a form of Retinitis Pigmentosa that exhibits a shortage of 11-cis-retinal in the rods. A synthetic retinal derivative can be used to replace the absent or depleted 11-cis retinal.

In another aspect, the vertebrate eye is characterized as having Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (“CSNB”) or Fundus Albipunctatus. This group of diseases is manifested by night blindness, but there is not a progressive loss of vision as in the Retinitis Pigmentosa. Some forms of CSNB are due to a delay in the recycling of 11-cis-retinal. Fundus Albipunctatus until recently was thought to be a special case of CSNB where the retinal appearance is abnormal with hundreds of small white dots appearing in the retina. It has been shown recently that this is also a progressive disease, although with a much slower progression than Retinitis Pigmentosa. It is caused by a gene defect that leads to a delay in the cycling of 11-cis-retinal. Thus, a synthetic retinal derivative(s) can be administered to restore photoreceptor function by retinoid replacement.

In yet another aspect, the vertebrate eye is characterized as having age-related macular degeneration (“AMD”). AMD can be wet or dry forms. In AMD, vision loss occurs when complications late in the disease either cause new blood vessels to grow under the retina or the retina atrophies. Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, excessive production of waste products from the photoreceptors may overload the RPE. This is due to a shortfall of 11-cis-retinal available to bind opsin. Free opsin is not a stable compound and can spontaneously cause firing of the biochemical reactions of the visual cascade without the addition of light.

Administration of a synthetic retinal derivative to the vertebrate eye can reduce the deficiency of 11-cis-retinal and quench spontaneous misfiring of the opsin. Administration of a synthetic retinal derivative can lessen the production of waste products and/or lessen drusen formation, and reduce or slow vision loss (e.g., choroidal neovascularization and/or chorioretinal atrophy).

In yet other aspects, a synthetic retinal derivative is administered to an aging subject, such as a human. As used herein, an aging human subject is typically at least 45, or at least 50, or at least 60, or at least 65 years old. The subject has an aging eye, which is characterized as having a decrease in night vision and/or contrast sensitivity. Excess unbound opsin randomly excites the visual transduction system. This creates noise in the system and thus more light and more contrast are necessary to see well. Quenching these free opsin molecules with a synthetic retinal will reduce spontaneous misfiring and increase the signal to noise ratio, thereby improving night vision and contrast sensitivity.

Synthetic retinal derivatives can be administered to human or other non-human vertebrates. The synthetic retinal derivative can be substantially pure, in that it contains less than about 5% or less than about 1%, or less than about 0.1%, of other retinoids. A combination of synthetic retinal derivatives can be administered.

Synthetic retinal derivatives can be delivered to the eye by any suitable means, including, for example, oral, intravenous, intramuscular or local administration. Modes of local administration can include, for example, eye drops, intraocular injection or periocular injection. Periocular injection typically involves injection of the synthetic retinal derivative into the conjunctiva or to the tennon (the fibrous tissue overlying the eye). Intraocular injection typically involves injection of the synthetic retinal derivative into the vitreous. The administration can be non-invasive, such as by eye drops or oral dosage form.

Synthetic retinal derivatives can be formulated, for example, as pharmaceutical compositions for local administration to the eye and/or for intravenous, intramuscular or oral administration. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is not a topical formulation. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is not a cosmetic formulation.

Synthetic retinal derivatives can be formulated for administration using pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles as well as techniques routinely used in the art. A vehicle can be selected according to the solubility of the synthetic retinal derivative. Suitable pharmaceutical compositions include those that are administrable locally to the eye, such as by eye drops, injection or the like. In the case of eye drops, the formulation can also optionally include, for example, opthalmologically compatible agents such as isotonizing agents such as sodium chloride, concentrated glycerin, and the like; buffering agents such as sodium phosphate, sodium acetate, and the like; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate (also referred to as Polysorbate 80), polyoxyl stearate 40, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, and the like; stabilization agents such as sodium citrate, sodium edentate, and the like; preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride, parabens, and the like; and other ingredients. Preservatives can be employed, for example, at a level of from about 0.001 to about 1.0% weight/volume. The pH of the formulation is usually within the range acceptable to ophthalmologic formulations, such as within the range of about pH 4 to 8.

Suitable pharmaceutical compositions also include those formulated for injection. For example, the synthetic retinal derivative can be provided in an injection grade saline solution, in the form of an injectable liposome solution, or other carriers or vehicles. Intraocular and periocular injections are known to those skilled in the art and are described in numerous publications including, for example, Ophthalmic Surgery: Principles of Practice, Ed., G. L. Spaeth, W. B. Sanders Co., Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.A., pages 85-87 (1990).

A synthetic retinal derivative also can be administered in a time release formulation, for example in a composition which includes a slow release polymer. The synthetic retinal derivative can be prepared with a carrier(s) that will protect the compound against rapid release, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, polylactic acid and polylactic, polyglycolic copolymers (PLG). Many methods for the preparation of such formulations are known to those skilled in the art.

Suitable oral dosage forms include, for example, tablets, pills, sachets, or capsules of hard or soft gelatin, methylcellulose or of another suitable material easily dissolved in the digestive tract. Suitable nontoxic solid carriers can be used which include, for example, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharin, talcum, cellulose, glucose, sucrose, magnesium carbonate, and the like. (See, e.g., Remington “Pharmaceutical Sciences”, 17 Ed., Gennaro (ed.), Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa. (1985).)

The doses of the synthetic retinal derivatives can be suitably selected depending on the clinical status, condition and age of the subject, dosage form and the like. In the case of eye drops, a synthetic retinal derivative can be administered, for example, from about 0.01 mg, about 0.1 mg, or about 1 mg, to about 25 mg, to about 50 mg, or to about 90 mg per single dose. Eye drops can be administered one or more times per day, as needed. In the case of injections, suitable doses can be, for example, about 0.0001 mg, about 0.001 mg, about 0.01 mg, or about 0.1 mg to about 10 mg, to about 25 mg, to about 50 mg, or to about 500 mg of the synthetic retinal derivative, one to four times per week. In other embodiments, about 1.0 to about 300 mg of synthetic retinal derivative can be administered one to three to five times per week.

Oral doses can typically range from about 1.0 to about 1000 mg, one to four times, or more, per day. An exemplary dosing range for oral administration is from about 10 to about 250 mg one to three times per day.

The following examples are provided merely as illustrative of various aspects of the invention and shall not be construed to limit the invention in any way.

EXAMPLES Example 1

9-cis-retinyl ester restores visual pigment in an LCA mouse model. LRAT−/− mice were gavaged with all-trans-retinyl palmitate, all-trans-retinyl acetate or 9-cis-retinyl acetate as indicated in the legend to FIG. 1. Following treatment, retinoids were extracted from the eye and liver, and analyzed by HPLC. As shown in FIG. 1 left, treatment of mice only with 9-cis-retinyl acetate, but not with all-trans-retinyl analogs restored the presence of syn-9-cis-retinal oxime, indicating formation of the chromophore and restoration vision in these mice. No significant retention of retinoids was observed in liver, where LRAT is highly expressed, indicating low or no toxicity by retinoids in this animal model of human LCA. 9-cis-retinyl ester restores visual pigment in approximately 5 hr (FIG. 2), while excess of retinoid is removed and metabolized (as illustrated for 9-cis-retinol).

Example 2

Vitamin A and its derivatives can isomerized upon exposure to light. For example, Rao et al. (Tetrahedron Letters 31:3441-44 (1990)) showed photoisomerization of all-trans-retinol acetate (a derivative of Vitamin A) using a broad wavelength UV light could produce a mixture of all-trans, 13-cis, and 9-cis retinol acetate isomers. However, this methods is generally inefficient and produces small amounts of such retinoid.

Methods

Solutions of all-trans-retinoids are made to concentrations of 1 mg/mL in methanol. The solutions are added to a glass petri dish and subjected to 365 nm UV light using a Bio-Rad GS Genelinker with the stock bulbs replaced with 8 watt F8T5 bulbs, for varying lengths of time dependent on the target retinoid. This wavelength is beneficial, as shorter wave length light quickly destroys retinoids. Following UV-treatment, the solutions are dried down, dissolved in hexane, and purified using normal phase HPLC. Conversion yields vary for each all-trans derivative. Nonisomerized all-trans derivatives, or 13-cis and 11-cis derivatives can be reused in subsequent repetitions, thereby increasing yields.

Results

Production of 9-cis-retinyl acetate from all-trans-retinyl acetate. All-trans-retinyl acetate (Sigma #R4632) was dissolved in methanol to a concentration of 1 mg/mL. The solution was poured into a glass petri dish and irradiated with 365 nm UV light, inducing isomerization (FIG. 3). Two minutes of irradiation yields a mix of isomers, ˜25% 9-cis-retinyl acetate, as shown by HPLC (FIG. 4).

The following diagram illustrates some other compounds that can be made with this method.

R is hydrogen or lower alkyls ranging from C₁ to C₆. R′ is R or any higher alkyls such as palmitate, oleate, or complex groups such as succinate, fumarate, and other functional groups.

Example 3

Levels of 9-cis-RAL oximes (measured as syn- and anti-9-cis-retinyl aldehyde) in the eyes of Lrat−/− mice after a single dose or multiple doses of 9-cis-retinyl-acetate (9-cis-R-Ac). Doses of 9-cis-R-Ac were administered to Lrat−/− mice by oral gavage in vegetable oil (100% canola oil) in a volume of 500 μl (2.5 mg/ml). The mice weighed about 30-50 g. After 3 days, 9-cis-RAL oximes levels were determined by HPLC. Briefly, all experimental procedures related to extraction, derivatization, and separation of retinoids from dissected mouse eyes were carried out as described previously. See Van Hooser et al., J. Biol. Chem. 277:19173-182 (2002); Van Hooser et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:8623-28 (2000); Maeda et al., J. Neurochem. 85:944-56 (2003). All reactions involving retinoids were carried out under dim red light.

Referring to FIG. 5a , the level of 9-cis-RAL in Lrat−/− in mouse eyes after a varying dose of 9-cis-R-Ac is shown. Peaks were identified by retention time and UV spectra and compared to standards. The spike around 19 min resulted from changes in the solvent composition. Retinoid analysis was performed on an HP1100 HPLC equipped with a diode array detector and HP Chemstation (A.07.01) software, allowing identification of retinoid isomers according to their specific retention time and absorption maxima. A normal-phase column (Beckman Ultrasphere Si 5 g, 4.6 mm×250 mm) and an isocratic solvent system of 0.5% ethyl acetate in hexane (v/v) for 15 min, followed by 4% ethyl acetate in hexane for 60 min at a flow rate of 1.4 ml/min (total 80 min), with detection at 325 nm allowed the partial separation of 11-cis-retinyl esters, 13-cis-retinyl esters, and all-trans-retinyl esters at 20° C.

Levels of 9-cis-RAL per eye leveled off at doses of about 4-6 μmole. Referring to FIG. 5b , the level of 9-cis-RAL in Lrat−/− mouse eyes after a varying size and number of doses of 9-cis-R-Ac is shown. Levels of 9-cis-RAL accumulated over time. The levels of 9-cis-RAL increased from about 50 μmole per eye to about 600 mmole per eye. The gray solid line represents a maximal level of isorhodopsin as measured by the level of 9-cis-retinal oximes in Lrat−/− mouse eyes after 10 gavages; dashed gray lines indicate the standard deviations. The maximal level of isorhodopsin is comparable to the level of rhodopsin in wildtype (WT) mice.

Example 4

Levels of chromophore (opsin/retinal complexes) were measured in the eyes of mice after dosing with all-trans-retinoid isoforms or 9-cis-retinyl succinate. All-trans-retinyl-palmitate, all-trans-retinyl acetate, all-trans-retinal (vitamin A aldehyde), all-trans-retinol (vitamin A), all-trans-retinyl succinate and 9-cis-retinyl succinate were administered to Lrat−/− mice by oral gavage. Five milligrams of the retinoid isoforms or 9-cis-retinyl succinate were administered in 100% canola oil at a concentration of 40 mg/ml. After 3 days, chromophore levels (as all-trans-retinal oximes or 9-cis-retinal oximes) were determined as described previously. See Van Hooser et al., J. Biol. Chem. 277:19173-182 (2002); Van Hooser et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:8623-28 (2000); Maeda et al., J. Neurochem. 85:944-56 (2003). All reactions involving retinoids were carried out under dim red light.

Referring to FIG. 6, the all-trans retinoid isoforms had essentially no effect on restoration of chromophore levels. In contrast, administration of 9-cis-retinyl succinate restored chromophore levels.

Example 5

A comparison of the bioavailability of orally delivered 9-cis-retinaldehyde and 9-cis-retinyl acetate in an LRAT−/− model. 9-cis-retinaldehyde and 9-cis-retinyl acetate were administered at low (10 mmoles) and high (15 μmoles) doses to LRAT−/− mice. Chromophore levels (as 9-cis-retinal oximes) were determined as described previously. See Van Hooser et al., J. Biol. Chem. 277:19173-182 (2002); Van Hooser et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:8623-28 (2000); Maeda et al., J. Neurochem. 85:944-56 (2003). All reactions involving retinoids were carried out under dim red light.

Referring to FIG. 7, at low and high doses, administration of 9-cis-retinyl acetate more efficiently restores chromophore levels than 9-cis-retinaldehyde. This effect is more pronounced at low (10 moles) doses. Because administration of retinoids can lead to toxicity, pro-drugs such as retinyl esters (e.g., 9-cis-retinyl acetate) provide a suitable bioavailable form to restore chromophore levels while reducing risk associated with retinoid toxicity.

* * *

The previous examples are provided to illustrate but not to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. Other variants of the inventions will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and encompassed by the appended claims. All publications, patents, patent applications and other references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of ameliorating or restoring photoreceptor function in a human eye, comprising: administering an effective amount of a synthetic retinyl ester that is a 9-cis-retinyl ester or an 11-cis-retinyl ester to a human subject with a deficiency in endogenous 11-cis-retinal in the eye, wherein the 9-cis-retinyl ester has a structure as represented by Formula I or the 11-cis-retinyl ester has a structure as represented by Formula II, wherein A in each formula is CH₂OR and —R, along with the adjacent oxygen, forms a retinyl ester, and the ester substituent comprises a carboxylate radical of a C₁ to C₁₀ monocarboxylic acid or a C₂ to C₂₂ polycarboxylic acid:


2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ester substituent comprises a carboxylate radical of a C₂ to C₂₂ polycarboxylic acid.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the ester substituent comprises a carboxylate radical of a C₁ to C₁₀ monocarboxylic acid.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the endogenous 11-cis retinal deficiency is associated with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), Retinitis Punctata Albesciens, Congenital Stationary Night Blindness, Fundus Albipunctatus, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, loss of night vision or contrast sensitivity.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein endogenous 11-cis retinal deficiency is associated with Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) or Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP).
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the human subject has a mutation selected from an RPE65 mutation and an LRAT mutation.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the synthetic retinyl ester is locally administered by eye drops, intraocular injection or periocular injection to the human subject.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the synthetic retinyl ester is orally administered to the human subject.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the synthetic retinyl ester is prophylactically administered to the human subject.
 10. A method of ameliorating or restoring photoreceptor function in a human eye, comprising: administering an effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative to a human subject with a deficiency in endogenous 11-cis-retinal in the eye, and wherein when the synthetic retinal derivative is administered to the human subject a functional opsin/chromophore complex is formed in the eye; and wherein the synthetic retinal derivative has a structure according to Formula I, II, Ill, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV or XVI.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the endogenous 11-cis retinal deficiency is associated with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), Retinitis Punctata Albesciens, Congenital Stationary Night Blindness, Fundus Albipunctatus, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, loss of night vision or contrast sensitivity.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the human subject has a mutation selected from an RPE65 mutation and an LRAT mutation.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the synthetic retinal derivative is a synthetic retinyl ester.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the synthetic retinyl ester is a 9-cis-retinyl ester or an 11-cis-retinyl ester.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein synthetic retinyl ester comprises a carboxylate radical of a C₁ to C₁₀ monocarboxylic acid or a C₂ to C₂₂ polycarboxylic acid.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the synthetic retinyl ester is 9-cis-retinyl acetate or 9-cis-retinyl succinate.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the synthetic retinyl ester is 11-cis-retinyl acetate or 11-cis-retinyl succinate.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the synthetic retinal derivative is locally administered by eye drops, intraocular injection or periocular injection to the human subject.
 19. The method of claim 10, wherein the synthetic retinal derivative is orally administered to the human subject.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the synthetic retinal derivative is orally administered at a dose of about 1.0 to about 1000 mg.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the synthetic retinal derivative is orally administered at a dose of about 10 to about 250 mg.
 22. The method of claim 10, wherein the synthetic retinal derivative is administered to the human subject by intravenous injection or intramuscular injection.
 23. The method of claim 2, wherein the synthetic retinyl ester is 9-cis-retinyl succinate or 11-cis-retinyl succinate.
 24. The method of claim 3, wherein the synthetic retinyl ester is 9-cis-retinyl acetate or 11-cis-retinyl acetate.
 25. The method of claim 8, wherein the synthetic retinyl ester is orally administered at a dose of about 1.0 to about 1000 mg.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the synthetic retinyl ester is orally administered at a dose of about 10 to about 250 mg. 